TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine October 2024 | Page 13

“ He ’ s influenced every part of my life ,” Courtney reflected . “ He didn ’ t teach me just golf but a lot of life lessons . He truly loves what he does . He has always told us that the members of the club are family , and he wants them to enjoy their golf experience as much as they can .”
Courtney Mahon had her favorite caddie , her father Charlie , on the bag at the September 2014 LPGA Symetra Tour event played at Firekeeper Golf Course near Mayetta , KS .
( Photo courtesy Mahon family album .)
Courtney ’ s journey in golf has been truly exceptional . After completing her undergraduate studies in dietetics and playing on her college golf team , she embarked on a unique dual career path . For six years , she skillfully juggled her roles as both a teacher and a professional golfer . Courtney strategically used her teaching career to support her golfing aspirations financially . “ I would play on the tour from April through October and then teach in the off-season in Phoenix , where I got a teaching position at the time ,” she explained . During her tour years , Charlie would occasionally caddy for Courtney , adding another layer to their father-daughter bond in golf . Her time on tour provided invaluable experiences , but as her priorities shifted towards starting a family , she decided to change her focus .
Charlie Mahon Jr . ( on left ) was the head professional at Staley Farms among other KC-area courses for many years . His father , Charlie , has served as the general manager and head pro at Grand Summit in Grandview since 2004 ( for 20 years in 2024 ).
Golf Digest ranks Courtney Mahon as the Top Instructor in the State of Kansas since 2022 and as one of their Best Young Instructor Under 40 since 2019 . She is also a current LPGA Top 50 Instructor and has received both LPGA Teacher of the Year and LPGA Coach of the Year honors . Courtney runs the largest PGA Jr . League program in the Midwest Section and has nationally ranked Nike Junior Golf Camps at both facilities . She is heavily involved in the LPGA , serving as the Central Section President and the National Chair of the New Member Committee . She earned her LPGA Class A card in 2012 .
The Mahon family ’ s impact on Kansas City area golf continues to grow . At Grand Summit , Charlie heads the PGA Junior League program and offers private lessons to all ages . Courtney , while raising her own three children , remains dedicated to teaching and growing the game . Both still share that heartfelt and unwavering philosophy that views club members as family .
“ Golf is meaningful to a lot of people ,” said Courtney . “ It has the ability to change lives .” This sentiment echoes through the Mahon family ’ s story –– from Charlie ’ s early days as a caddie to Courtney ’ s LPGA Tour experience and their shared passion for teaching .
As Charlie approaches his golden anniversary with the PGA and Courtney continues to make her mark in instruction , the Mahon family ’ s golf legacy seems set to influence future generations . Their journey is a testament to the power of passion , hard work , and family in shaping not just careers but lives through the game of golf . �
( Photo by Alan Hoskins )
Today , Courtney runs and teaches the junior golf programs at Falcon Ridge and Prairie Highlands through the Tour Striker Midwest Golf Academy . “ I enjoy working with players of all ages ,” she said . “ I also enjoy working with those at a high level since I played at a high level on the LPGA Tour .”
Ann Butenas is a contributing writer for the Midwest Section PGA . For more information about the Midwest Section PGA , call 816.229.6493 or visit www . midwest . pga . com .
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